What side effects and warning signs should I know about with estriol?

Possible side effects of estriol include burning or irritation where it is applied, breast tenderness, headache, and spotting. Ingredients in the cream base can also cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Contact your physician if symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily activities.

Estrogen that reaches the bloodstream can carry serious risks, including blood clots and stroke. The risk depends on your health history and the amount absorbed. Low-dose vaginal estrogen generally has less bloodstream exposure than systemic estrogen, but a compounded estriol formula should not automatically be treated as a standard low-dose product.

Call 911 for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, trouble speaking, or weakness on one side of the body. Seek urgent care for painful swelling in one leg. Severe allergic symptoms, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the tongue, also need emergency care.

Report any bleeding after menopause promptly. A licensed physician in your state should review your risks before prescribing. Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed pharmacy for one patient and are not FDA-approved.